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sara_says_'s reviews
449 reviews
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Disclaimer: thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy.
Heartwarming, winter vibes. It took me a little longer than normal to get through, which makes me think maybe something is up with the pacing, but once I got though the first 10% I was hooked and couldn’t wait to pick it back up.
I found both of the main characters as well as the supporting cast to be well written and engaging. I love that even though (spoilers) there’s a 3rd act breakup, it’s truly a breakup over extenuating circumstances and both parties trying to do the right thing rather than a miscommunication or something blown out of proportion.
It definitely has some spicy scenes, so if that’s something you like to know going in, make note.
Heartwarming, winter vibes. It took me a little longer than normal to get through, which makes me think maybe something is up with the pacing, but once I got though the first 10% I was hooked and couldn’t wait to pick it back up.
I found both of the main characters as well as the supporting cast to be well written and engaging. I love that even though (spoilers) there’s a 3rd act breakup, it’s truly a breakup over extenuating circumstances and both parties trying to do the right thing rather than a miscommunication or something blown out of proportion.
It definitely has some spicy scenes, so if that’s something you like to know going in, make note.
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
fast-paced
1.0
What in the trad wife, insta-love, smut was this?
Note to self: Tessa Bailey is not for me.
Note to self: Tessa Bailey is not for me.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Short & Sweet
A novella that RESOLVES a miscommunication trope? Over the holidays? In the snow? With a best-friend’s brother? Sign me up.
A novella that RESOLVES a miscommunication trope? Over the holidays? In the snow? With a best-friend’s brother? Sign me up.
Booked for the Holidays by Liz Maverick
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Super cute short and sweet Christmassy listen! No spice, just cuteness.
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Thanks to Abby & NetGalley for the ARC!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Abby.Does.Not.Miss. This one is no exception. I laughed, I cried, I annotated the heck out of this thing. I usually fly through these books in 3 days max, but I drug this one out because 1) I didn’t want it to be over and 2) I was already dreading having to wait for the next release! Abby’s writing is so engaging and relatable, her characters are personable and feel so authentic. I’m always invested from chapter one. Might be my favorite read of the year.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Abby.Does.Not.Miss. This one is no exception. I laughed, I cried, I annotated the heck out of this thing. I usually fly through these books in 3 days max, but I drug this one out because 1) I didn’t want it to be over and 2) I was already dreading having to wait for the next release! Abby’s writing is so engaging and relatable, her characters are personable and feel so authentic. I’m always invested from chapter one. Might be my favorite read of the year.
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I can’t speak to the spice (I know people have strong feelings) cause I skipped it, but otherwise, this was a decent read. It was good, just not something I’m going to hype up to everyone or be dying for a sequel. I did find the change up of the MC being the one dealing with the trials and the whole gladiator flavoring, it was a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with 17 year olds fighting for their lives while morally grey men in power stealthily help them….but there’s also a reason that formula works well 🤷🏼♀️ another bonus, the book is really pretty!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
Coming Home by Denise Latham
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0